Equals does not mean "the answer is". It means the same amount as.
Equals (=) means both sides are worth the same.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Like a see-saw
Both sides must weigh the same. 4 + 2 = 6 balances.
4 and 2 makes 6.
First part
Second part
It can go either way round
9 = 6 + 3 is true. The total is allowed to come first.
First part
Second part
Total
Equals is not "the answer is"
It means both sides are worth the same. That is why 5 = 3 + 2 is perfectly correct, even though the sum is on the right.
Think of a balance
If the two sides weigh the same, it balances. Change one side and you must change the other, or it tips.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Change a side and see if it balances.
3 and 4 makes 7.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Ben Check a Sentence
Ben sees 5 + 2 = 8 and wonders if it is true.
- Step 1
He works out the left side: 5 and 2 makes 7.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Checking Work
Problem 1 of 1
Is this sentence true? 3 + 4 = 7
True or False?
Work out both sides, then decide.
1 of 3
Is 6 = 6 true?
2 of 3
Is 8 = 5 + 3 true?
3 of 3
Is 4 + 3 = 8 true?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
What does the equals sign mean?
Question 2 of 2
Is 10 = 7 + 3 true?
What You Learned
- Equals means the same amount as.
- It does not mean "the answer is next".
- The total can be written first: 9 = 6 + 3.